Alan Grayson says he's running for Congress again

Alan Grayson – a hero to many on the left and a walking gag reflex to many on the right — wants to go back to Washington.

Yes, less than a year after the freshman Democratic congressman suffered a crushing defeat to Dan Webster, Grayson says he’s ready to try again.

Whether he’d run again against Webster — or perhaps in a newly created, heavily Democratic district, which would probably be more desirable for Grayson – remains to be seen. But either way, Grayson’s eager to run. (He was even wearing his signature stars-and-stripes necktie - one of his campaign staples – when he swung by the Sentinel Monday afternoon.)

Grayson claims the Middle Class needs an advocate; that Social Security and Medicare need protecting and that he’s the guy to do it.

Oh, and just in case you’re wondering if Grayson has mellowed since his loss … um, no. In fact, when I asked if he had any plans to tone down any of his rhetoric, he found the question insulting. “I was a fighter. I’m still a fighter,” he said. “I hope I never change.”

There’s a whole lot of chips to fall before next year’s congressional fields are set. (Police Chief Val Demings is an interesting add to the mix.) But one thing is for sure: With Grayson’s name ID and unparalleled ability to raise tons of money from grassroots lefties from around the nation, he will be a factor in whichever race he enters.